An inter-tribal and religious organization, the One Plateau Group, has said the federal government must ensure that policies regarding ranching, cattle colonies and Ruga settlements should be all inclusive.
The organisation’s chairman, Engr. Ajiji Arum Arin, who gave the advice in Abuja yesterday, said any policy that would not benefit the generality of the people should not be encouraged.
“Be it Ranching, cattle colony, Ruga or whatever form of policy that will be implemented should be an all-inclusive policy and not a unilateral decision as if we are in the military regime.
“The federal government suspended the implementation of the Ruga programme not because Nigerians opposed it, but because it was not in accordance with the design that was approved by the National Economic Council (NEC) and the National Security Council (NFSC).
“It is unfortunate that our amiable Governor, Hon. Simon Bako Lalong is one person in the eyes of the storm, so many people see him as a traitor, while some see him as a sell out because of the Ruga settlement controversy,” Arin said.
He said Governor Lalong was first elected by the people of Plateau State to become governor and his primary responsibility should first be to the people of the state who elected him. He said while the federal and state governments’ efforts to end the farmers-herders clashes was commendable, those displaced by the early clashes should first be resettled for a lasting solution.
